Parochial schools expand programming

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Expanded programming, a revamped leadership structure and an emphasis on parental involvement are some notable developments this academic year at the New Ulm Area Catholic Schools.

Across town, Minnesota Valley Lutheran School is entering its post-anniversary year with a focus on upgrading facilities, as part of a campaign called "25 and Growing."

As part of its expanded programming, NUACS is offering a full-fledged pre-kindergarten program, reported Superintendent Mary Ellen Domeier and Head Principal Shelly Bauer.

The pre-K program is offered to pre-schoolers in ages 3-4 and 4-5. The emphasis varies with age, with younger children involved in more play-based activities and older children participating in activities featuring more structure and academics.

Different class sections attend class once, twice or three times a week. Interest in the new program is high, with about 65 children enrolled.

The school system is continuously reviewing and updating its curriculum and programming, says Bauer. Some areas of focus include: the implementation of Gospel values into all curriculum areas; developing a Family Faith Formation curriculum; the addition of new electives; and reviewing all assessments.

The school system continues to work toward meeting the needs of all learners, Bauer also says. As part of this, it is adding two full-time resource teachers; researching a gifted and talented program; and providing additional staff development opportunities.

In another highlight, the NUACS leadership has been re-organized, with the addition of a head principal and a pre-K-4 head teacher.

The head principal, a role filled by Bauer, who also serves as secondary principal, will oversee grades preK-12. The head principal is responsible for faith development in partnership with the Rev. John Richter, as well as the curriculum, staff development and budget preparations.

The head teacher for grades pre-K-4, LeAnn Miheve, will assist Chris Olson, elementary principal at the St. Anthony Elementary School. Miheve will direct the pre-K-4 program.

Special events at NUACS include celebrating the 50th birthday of the Cathedral High School building and the100th Birthday of Holy Trinity Middle School building. These anniversaries will provide a focus for capital campaigns.

Enrollment at NUACS is: 218 students at Cathedral High School (9-12); 188 at Holy Trinity Middle School; and 243 at St. Anthony Elementary School (PreK-4).

NUACS' theme for this year is "Catholic Schools: It's not just for students, it's for parents too!"

MVL

Having celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, MVL is continuing a campaign it launched then, "25 and Growing."

The goal of the project is to improve the air controls and efficiency of the air control system throughout the school, as well as to provide adequate facilities for activities, says the MVL Principal Wayne Fischer.

Facility improvements include adding two locker rooms and a weight room, and upgrading the current locker rooms. Also included is a room for classes and various activities.

The intention is to proceed with construction as soon as funding is raised.

"Our goal is to share our educational ministry with as many youth as we can, to help them grow as believers in Jesus as they are prepared to serve God, their families and others," says Fischer, describing the school's focus. "As we begin our second quarter century of service in the our area, we are looking forward to growth for our students individually and as teams and as a family."

MVL's theme for the year is "Living In Christ." "As we go through the year, we will be reminded that our Christian values need to be an essential element of every decision and moment," says Fischer.

Enrollment at MVL is projected at about 270, a reduction of about 6-8 students from last year. "A demographics study of the area that we serve has shown that there are fewer students available, so this movement is not unexpected," says Fischer.